A Wiltshire woman has been hailed as an 'extraordinary' local hero for her role in recovering a body from a river, an act of bravery that stands in stark contrast to the horrific sexual offences she is alleged to have suffered. Joanne Young, 48, was presented with a Chief Officer's Commendation in September for her volunteer work with the Wiltshire Search and Rescue team.
A Harrowing River Recovery
The award recognised her 'intense effort' and courage in June, when she and two fellow volunteers retrieved the body of a missing person from the River Avon. Mrs Young had been informed that a specialist dive team would need up to ten hours to complete the recovery. Demonstrating what Chief Constable Catherine Roper called 'extraordinary dedication, professionalism and humanity', she took direct action to assist in the emotionally demanding operation.
Waiving Anonymity as Six Men Face Court
Mrs Young's commendation comes after she chose to waive her legal right to anonymity. This decision followed the charging of six men, including her ex-husband, with a string of sexual offences against her. The men appeared at Swindon Crown Court yesterday, with several attempting to hide their faces upon arrival.
Philip Young, 49, her former husband and business partner, faces 56 sexual offences. The charges, which all relate to his ex-wife, include 11 counts of rape, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of sexual touching. He is further accused of 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to overpower her for sexual activity, alongside multiple counts of voyeurism and possession of indecent images of children.
The Other Defendants and Court Proceedings
The five other men charged alongside Philip Young are:
- Norman Macksoni, 47, of Sharnbrook: charged with one count of rape and possession of extreme images. He indicated a not guilty plea.
- Dean Hamilton, 47, of no fixed abode: charged with rape, sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual touching. He indicated a not guilty plea.
- Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 31, from Swindon: charged with sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching. He did not indicate a plea.
- Richard Wilkins, 61, from Swindon: charged with rape and sexual touching. He did not indicate a plea.
- Mohammed Hassan, 37, from Swindon: charged with sexual touching on February 18, 2023. He did not indicate a plea.
All six men were granted conditional bail and are scheduled to appear together at Swindon Crown Court on January 23. Philip Young was remanded in custody ahead of that hearing. The Crown Prosecution Service states the alleged offences took place between 2010 and 2023.
Mrs Young, who founded a management consultancy with her ex-husband in 2005 and shares three children with him, has requested privacy. She is being supported by specially trained officers.
